Dr. Arvind Kumar*
We live in a world with increasingly interconnected and compounding risks and disasters affecting more and more communities, while also exacerbating existing inequalities. Understanding of risk has both expanded and deepened, with over 110 countries systematically collecting data on disaster impacts and several applying this data to better inform risk governance. Preparedness isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about resilience in all systems, including technology, and over-reliance on technology without safeguards can trigger cascading failures. On March 28, 2025, a massive earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, sending shockwaves across Southeast Asia. Originating just 10 kilometres beneath the surface, the quake caused widespread destruction in Myanmar and resonated through neighbouring nations, underscoring the borderless nature of natural disasters.
The impact on Myanmar was overwhelming because infrastructure in Mandalay and Sagaing was in severe disarray. However, the devastation extended far beyond Myanmar’s borders. The tremors were felt as far away as Thailand, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India. This disaster is a stark warning about the urgent need for preparedness in our interconnected world. For seismically vulnerable nations like India, the question looms large: when the earth shifts again, will we be ready? With emergency response increasingly dependent on tech, ensuring its resilience is as vital as reinforcing our physical defences.
Seismic Shifts and Shared Risks
India, sitting on the same collision zone, faces the looming threat of a “Great Himalayan Earthquake” exceeding magnitude 8. Does this not underscore our shared vulnerability to Earth’s shifting forces? Did you know Myanmar sits in a complex seismic zone shaped by the collision of two massive forces the Indian and Eurasian plates? More than geological curiosities, these zones have produced quakes between magnitudes 6 and 7. What makes this region so volatile is extrusion tectonics, a process set in motion by the India-Asia collision millions of years ago. This ongoing geological dance drives movement along strike-slip faults, with the Sagaing Fault playing a key role in the recent Myanmar-Thailand earthquake, said Prof. Bill McGuire, University College London.
What if you had just seconds of warning before an earthquake? Would it make a difference? Countries like Japan and Chile have proven the answer is a resounding “yes” with world-class early warning systems. Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system, run by the Japan Meteorological Agency, detects P-waves and issues alerts before destructive S-waves arrive. In the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, it saved countless lives. Chile, too, has built resilient networks and strong disaster response partnerships. What sets them apart isn’t just technology—it’s culture. Public education, regular drills, and multi-hazard planning ensure people act on warnings. When was the last time India reviewed its emergency plan?
Is India bridging the gap?
The nation has shifted from a reactive relief-driven approach to a proactive strategy focused on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response. This transformation gained momentum with the Disaster Management Act of 2005, establishing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Prime Minister’s leadership, strengthening disaster response at all levels. The 2016 National Disaster Management Plan aligns with the global Sendai Framework, emphasizing risk assessment and resilience. Programs like TriDeP focus on hazard-resistant infrastructure but are they reaching every corner of the country? India has also built key partnerships with Southeast Asian nations to enhance expertise, yet challenges remain in grassroots implementation. Would stronger community participation make these efforts more effective? Despite progress, India still faces major challenges in disaster preparedness. Building codes may look impressive on paper, but without strict enforcement, they fail to ensure real safety. As also highlighted by Dr. Roger Musson, British Geological Survey that poor seismic building codes are a key vulnerability. Public awareness is another weak link—many citizens lack basic knowledge of evacuation procedures that could save lives. Worse still, fragile infrastructure often leads to the collapse of emergency services when they are needed most. What good are response plans if the systems meant to implement them fail under pressure?
A key solution lies in advanced seismology detection systems that provide timely warnings before major earthquakes. But warnings alone aren’t enough, widespread public education campaigns are crucial for building community resilience. Strengthening international cooperation for regional disaster management is another vital step. India can learn from Japan’s model by prioritizing regular drills and adopting a multi-hazard approach to address its diverse vulnerabilities. Investing in real-time monitoring technologies and resilient infrastructure would significantly reduce risks.
Way Forward
A unified international framework for disaster response would enhance coordination and leverage resources across borders. Wouldn’t our collective response be stronger if we worked together? Early warning systems must be people-centric, integrating hazard monitoring, forecasting, risk assessment, communication, and preparedness activities. Policy enforcement is another critical piece of the puzzle. Enforcing stringent building codes for earthquake-resistant structures can dramatically reduce casualties. Also to counter such risks, global efforts are focusing on AI-driven disaster monitoring while ensuring critical technologies have fail-safes to withstand extreme loads. Finally, global multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential. Sharing best practices with disaster-prepared nations like Japan can provide valuable insights into effective strategies. Strengthening early warning systems, enforcing resilient infrastructure policies, fostering global cooperation, and engaging communities in preparedness activities are not optional luxuries—they’re essential steps toward building a safer future. By learning from regional disasters and leveraging technological advancements, India can develop comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies that protect lives and livelihoods.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
